Satcom Industry Association - India hails the India Space Policy 2023, as a significant milestone for the Indian space industry. The not-for-profit space association congratulates the Department of Space for unveiling the new policy, which is expected to provide a conducive environment for private sector participation and innovation. SIA-India is looking forward to working alongside IN-SPACe, ISRO, and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to ensure that the policy's efforts are carried forward as a joint effort with industry stakeholders.

Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President SIA-India & CMD of Ananth Technologies Ltd expressed confidence in the potential of the Indian space industry to drive progress and innovation. He also expressed excitement about the collaboration with the Department of Space, ISRO, IN-SPACe, and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and being a part of the journey.

To read Policy Click here: - https://www.isro.gov.in/IndiaSpacePolicy.html

DefSAT 2023: India's First International Defence Space Conference & Expo a Resounding Success, was successfully organized by the Satcom Industry Association (SIA-INDIA) from 27 to 29 April 2023 at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt. The three-day event was inspired by the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the forward-looking approach of the Ministry of Defence, the vision of the Department of Space, and the encouragement from stakeholders in the defence practitioners and space industry.

The conference was organized by SIA-India and was supported by esteemed organizations such as Niti Aayog, the Department of Defence Production [Ministry of Defence], Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), New Space India Ltd (NSIL), National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), and Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS). The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), and the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) served as knowledge partners, providing valuable insights into the future of defence and space technology.

The conference featured keynote speeches from distinguished speakers, including our special guests of honour Shri S. Somanath, Secretary Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO and Shri G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri. The conference included several events, including some spotlights events such as the IndSpace Exercise, a unique Industrial Space Wargame, as well as discussions on Space Diplomacy and International Collaboration in Defence Space, and Space Security- Philosophy, Doctrines and Strategies; connecting requirements and industrial capabilities.



The three-day DefSAT'2023 witnessed active engagement and collaboration by 50+ Speakers, 300+ participants, 40+ partners from defence practitioners, government officials, stakeholders and industry leaders, as well as diplomatic representatives from various countries. The event also served as a platform for these esteemed individuals to unite and collaborate towards the progress, development and integration of the civil, commercial and defence space programs.

We would like to express our gratitude to all the members, participants, and partners who made DefSAT 2023 a great success. We look forward to the next edition of the conference and to further exploring the intersection of defence and space technology. DefSAT 2023 was a resounding success, and its impact will continue to benefit India's defence and space sector for years to come.

The conference kickstarts with India's first Industrial Space Wargame, the IndSpace Exercise, which was a simulated, scenario-based, interactive tabletop exercise that tests the capability of the space industry to respond to contingency situations, it was conceptualised and convened by Lt Gen PJS Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM(Retd) Former Deputy Chief Indian Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) and Chair of the Defence Aerospace Committee, SIA-India and the session was chaired by Lt General Vinod G. Khandare, PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd.), Principal Adviser in the Ministry of Defence.



IndSpace exercise, the first of its kind, witnessed a remarkable participation from all domains' stakeholders, making it a resounding success. The exercise had a capacity of 50 people, but with a whopping 90 participants, it exceeded all expectations. The event was aimed at bringing together defence practitioners, government officials, industry experts, and think tanks to deliberate and create a roadmap for the industry, with plans to conduct such exercises every six months.

The success of the IndSpace exercise was a testament to the industry's potential and the commitment of stakeholders to work towards a common goal. The event was a significant step towards establishing India as a leader in space security and defence, with the private sector playing a crucial role in empowering the defence readiness. The next six months will be critical, and stakeholders will need to work together to create a clear roadmap for the industry's growth and development.

Shri S. Somanath, Secretary Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO emphasized that the full potential of space for strategic purposes was not recognized earlier, as it was primarily utilized for public good and civilian use. He acknowledged that the realization of the importance of space capabilities for national security has become more evident and stressed the need to enhance power and scale up capabilities through collaboration. He stated that India has the capability to launch in a reasonable manner, but further scaling up and building up of demand is essential as space investment is capital-intensive. He emphasized the need to bring down the cost of access to space and augment the demand for application creation. He urged decision-makers to come forth and provide the necessary impetus for the growth of the industry.

Shri G Satheesh Reddy, Advisor, Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri (Ministry of Defence) emphasized there has been a significant increase in the development of space technology for defence purposes globally, including image intelligence, electronic intelligence, signal intelligence, and communication intelligence. In particular, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Hyperspectral technology are critical for Indian defence, especially in border areas. There is also a need to develop space-based electronic warfare capabilities both in and from space. High-power laser and High-Power Microwave (HPM) technology also require further development, with a focus on miniaturization and increased power.

Dr Shailesh Nayak, Director NIAS and Former Secretary MoES emphasised on market demand, research and development, and collaboration between academia and industry as a testament to the importance of driving innovation in this field. "By prioritizing both civilian and defence applications, we can harness the full potential of space technology to address societal challenges and improve the lives of people around the world."

Lt Gen Tarun Kumar Aich, AVSM, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) "India needs to be well-prepared and pre-empt vulnerabilities to catch up with China and meet the requirements of the battlespace. It is imperative to establish a space policy that ensures national control, harness the IRNSS, empower the DSA, coordinate a joint services approach, and train personnel. Smooth control over the battlefield is crucial to stay ahead and adapt to the evolving space community."

Lt General Vinod G. Khandare, PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd.), Principal Adviser in the Ministry of Defence "Space situational awareness is meant for everyone as all services depend on SSA for their smooth functioning. Space situational awareness is crucial for all services as they rely on it for seamless functioning. However, achieving space superiority, dominance, and control requires distinct approaches from a doctrinal and operational perspective."

Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of SIA-India & CMD of Ananth Technologies Ltd "India should prioritize the inclusion of space technology to meet both civilian and defence needs, and the government should take proactive steps to encourage the growth of the space sector in this direction. DefSAT 2023 presents a valuable opportunity for India to engage in dialogue with other nations about supporting the development of less developed countries in both the space and defence sectors. The potential benefits that India can gain from its membership in the G20, including increased military and civilian integration and the development of new applications utilizing space technology, are significant."

Lt Gen PJS Pannu (Retd.), PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd) Former. Deputy Chief, Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) and Chairman, Defence Aerospace Committee, SIA-India, "India must wield cutting-edge technology to empower its military and fuel its economy. With space diplomacy and advanced capabilities, we can establish a unified vision and fulfil our strategic goals. The DefSAT initiative aims to establish a common roadmap for the space and defence sectors. This effort will be achieved through cyclic debates that will be held every six months, to ensure continuous progress towards the goal. The need for DefSAT is paramount, and its success will depend on the close cooperation of all stakeholders involved in the initiative".

Lt. Gen Sunil Srivastava, AVSM, VSM** (Retd) Director, CENJOWS "India needs to focus on the "enablement" of people, nations, and industries, and aims to achieve this by bringing together all relevant stakeholders and finding solutions to challenges that can be transformed into opportunities."

Amb. Rakesh Sood, Foreign Affairs, Economic Diplomacy and International Security "Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was once the only space organization in India, this is no longer the case. Today, there are many private players entering the space industry, which is leading to a more diversified and competitive space sector in the country. There is growing importance of the space sector in India, and the need for greater collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders in order to ensure the country's continued success in this vital area."

Air Vice Marshal DV Khot, AVSM, VM, Director General Defence Space Agency, "Space has transitioned from a purely military domain to a commercial one, blurring the lines of conduct of war. The synergy between the commercial and military wings of space is highlighted by the opening of the space sector to private players and the establishment of the Defence Space Agency in India."

Day 1 (April 27, 2023): Industrial Space Wargame concluded with a successful participation of defence practitioners, government officials, industry experts, and think tanks, which aimed to lay out a roadmap for the industry and prepare for future exercises.

The exhibition drew in numerous industry experts and enthusiasts, featuring exhibitors such as Geo Spatial World, Indian Aerospace & Defence, Comsat System Pvt Ltd, Saptang Labs, J V Micronics, Raamtel, Decibel Systems, DRDO, KaleidEO, and Ananth Technologies Ltd.

The Space Diplomacy & International Collaboration in Defence Space session emphasized the importance of international cooperation and diplomacy in the space domain to address global challenges and ensure security. The Power session: Forging Global Cooperation in Trade, Strategy and Space Diplomacy was a thought-provoking discussion that highlighted the need for cooperation between nations in trade, strategy, and space diplomacy. The session provided insights into how nations can work together to achieve common goals and overcome challenges.



Day 2 (April 28, 2023) featured a dialogue on Defence Space Realm and Capabilities, in which Lt. Gen Sunil Srivastava gave a keynote address on the environmental scan. The session also discussed battlefield intelligence preparation, with a tech brief on space capabilities by Dr. Rao Ramayanam from Hawkeye 360. Sensors, data, and information were explored in the context of intelligence preparation, with expert input from Brig Anshuman Narang on intelligised IPB for multi-domain battlefront. Additionally, a discussion on resilient PNT took place, and space security strategies and requirements were explored in an industrial context.



Day 3 (April 29, 2023): Industry experts and government officials came together for an enlightening discussion on the integration of secure Satcom with IoBT/IoMT systems. Participants gained valuable insights on impact prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery measures that enable uninterrupted access to space. At the Civil-Military Fusion session, attendees learned about catalyzing the industrial base and overcoming supply chain challenges to enhance capability. The integration of drones, HAPS, and satellites was the highlight of the event, as industry and government experts discussed closing capability gaps and retaining the high ground.

We extend our gratitude to the members of the program committee and organizing committee for their support, with a special acknowledgment to Lt. Gen PJS Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Former Deputy Chief of Indian Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) and Chair of the Defence Aerospace Committee, SIA-India; Lt. Gen Sunil Srivastava, AVSM, VSM** (Retd), Director of CENJOWS; and Prof. Chaitanya Giri, Associate Professor at FLAME University and Consultant at RIS.

The National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) and the Satcom Industry Association-India (SIA-India) jointly organized a Strategic Symposium and Roundtable discussion on "Industrialization of India's Space Capabilities" on March 10, 2023. The event brought together key stakeholders from the space industry ecosystem, including policymakers, diplomats, executives, lawyers, financiers, military leaders, academics, innovators, and industrialists.

The symposium aimed to create awareness about implementing space reforms that are more industry-friendly and to distinguish the industry working for the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and other players. The discussions revolved around national and global space strategy contours, emerging commercial opportunities and challenges, structural fault lines inhibiting growth, and key enablers such as policy interventions, procurement mechanisms, and civil-military fusion for catalyzing growth and innovation.

The key-note talks were delivered by Amb. Rakesh Sood, Foreign Affairs, Economic Diplomacy and International Security, Adv. GV Ashok, Partner, Factum Law, Mr Laxmesh Hasanabadi, L & T Defence, and Lt Gen PJS Pannu (Retd.), PVSM, AVSM, VSM(Retd) Former. Deputy Chief, Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) and Chairman, Aerospace & Defence Committee of SIA-India.

Some of the other dignitaries present were Dr Shailesh Nayak, Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Dr Subbarao Pavuluri, President SIA-India and CMD Ananth Technologies Limited, Prof Vinay K Dadhwal, Indira Gandhi Chair Professor of Environmental Sciences, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Dr VS Hegde, Former Scientific Secretary, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Antrix Corporation Ltd, Prof. PG Diwakar, ISRO Chair Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Dr V Siddhartha, Former Secretary of the Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India and Adjunct Faculty, School of Conflict and Security Studies, NIAS, Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Head, National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) & Professor of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Dr Chaitanya Giri, Consultant, Space Policy & Diplomacy, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS)



Satcom Industry Association collaborates with National Maritime Foundation – a precursor event to discuss space and counter-space capabilities for India's national security.



Defence experts and industry leaders join forces at Satcom Industry Association's latest round table event – a precursor event with Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS).



Satcom Industry Association - India wraps up final precursor event with Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), paving the way for India's national security interests in space.

SatSure and Satcom Industry Association-India jointly released a white paper titled "Rethinking IMINT," highlighting the evolution of defence and warfare strategies globally. The paper emphasizes the significance of timely and high-quality information in warfare strategies and its two formats - audio and visual. It also explores the benefits of visual-based data, which provides a holistic view of real-world scenarios and leads to enhanced decision-making processes. The white paper also discusses the evolution of recording and communicating imagery intelligence, starting from the hot-air balloon era. The paper's insights will be valuable to defence and intelligence agencies, policymakers, and industry professionals.

To read the paper: https://www.sia-india.com/rethinking-imint-imageintelligence-strategy-from-space/

Satcom Industry Association - India's Senior Director of Technology and Policy, Mr. Rajeev Gambhir, chaired and moderated an engaging session on "Leveraging Outer Space for Commercial Opportunities" at the inaugural India-Russia Space Dialogue 2023. Other panelists included Valery Panasenkov, Professor at Moscow Aviation Institute, P. V. Venkitakrishnan, former Director of Capacity Building and Public Outreach at Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Sanjeev Kumar Varshney, former Diplomat at Embassy of the Republic of India to the Russian Federation and Advisor to Department of Science & Technology, and Anil Kumar Bhatt, Director General of Indian Space Association. The session delved into an important topic as the space sector continues to expand with the growing number of space-faring nations. The panel discussed the potential for Indo-Russian collaboration in the commercial space sector beyond the current scientific and political cooperation.

The panelists discussed the opportunities and challenges in the commercial space sector, including the potential for joint ventures, technology transfers, and the development of new applications and services.

The dialogue was an important step in strengthening the Indo-Russian partnership in the space sector and exploring new avenues for collaboration.

ISRO in association with Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun is all set to conduct an introductory level online training programme in space science and technology, called Space science and Technology Awareness Training (START) programme, for final year undergraduate and postgraduate students of physical sciences (Physics and Chemistry) and technology (e.g. Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical, Applied Physics, Radiophysics, Optics & Opto-electronics, Instrumentation and other associated subjects). The aim of the programme is to attract young talent towards the fields of space science and technology, expanding the user base of space exploration mission data, and fostering an ecosystem to facilitate active participation of students in space science and technology research. The training modules will cover various verticals of space science and technology, including astronomy, planetary science, heliophysics, atmospheric science, microgravity related studies, and space technology. The online training is tentatively scheduled to be conducted during June-July 2023, and successful candidates will receive a certificate. The last date for submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) is 20th May 2023.

The programme is an excellent opportunity for eligible students to gain knowledge and skills in the exciting field of space science and technology.



For more information: https://jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/START
For registration (Students): https://jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/login
For registration (Institutes): https://jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/applystart

Satcom Industry Association - India (SIA-India) would like to extend its warm congratulations to iDEX - DIO on the successful completion of five years of promoting innovation in the Defence sector. iDEX - DIO (Innovation for Defence Excellence - Defence Innovation Organisation) is an initiative of the Indian Ministry of Defence aimed at creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country's defence industry. The program is designed to foster innovation in the sector through collaboration with startups, MSMEs, and academia. SIA-India applauds the efforts of iDEX - DIO in creating a vibrant ecosystem of innovation in the defence sector. The program has played a crucial role in promoting indigenization and self-reliance in the sector by encouraging the development of indigenous technologies and solutions. The program has also created opportunities for startups and MSMEs to work with the Indian defence industry, providing them with a platform to showcase their innovative solutions and products. We wish continued success to iDEX - DIO in its mission to promote innovation in the defence sector. SIA-India looks forward to collaborating with iDEX - DIO in the future to drive innovation in the Satcom industry and enhance national security.

SIA-INDIA congratulates it's member Bharucha & Partners on Forbes India and Legitquest Legal Powerlist 2022 recognition as a top law firm in India, highlighting the crucial role they play in the growth and development of the country's legal system. We applaud their continued commitment to excellence and look forward to working together to drive innovation and progress in the space industry.

The Aryabhata spacecraft holds a special place in the history of India's space program. Launched on April 19, 1975, it was the country's first satellite and a significant milestone in India's space journey. Named after the famous Indian astronomer Aryabhata, the satellite was entirely designed and fabricated in India.

The success of the Aryabhata mission gave a significant boost to India's space program and paved the way for future missions. It demonstrated India's technological capabilities and its ability to design and build satellites independently.

The Aryabhata satellite continues to inspire the country's space scientists and engineers to this day, and its legacy lives on in India's thriving space program. It serves as a reminder of the country's rich history of scientific and technological innovation and its potential to achieve great things in the future.

To know more about Aryabhata satellite, Click on the link below: https://www.isro.gov.in/aryabhata.

Satcom Industry Association - India is excited to celebrate World Quantum Day on April 14th, recognizing the incredible potential of quantum science to revolutionize the space industry. By utilizing the unique properties of quantum mechanics, such as quantum communications, sensors, and encryption, we can create new technologies that are more secure, efficient, and powerful than ever before.

The significance of April 14th lies in its reference to 4.14, the rounded first digits of Planck's constant, which is a fundamental constant governing quantum physics. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of quantum science in shaping our future.

As a not-for-profit space association, SIA-India is committed to driving innovation and collaboration in the space industry. We believe that quantum science has the potential to play a significant role in shaping the future of space technology and are excited to see what the future holds.